Getting into USC

I am a rising senior and my dream (like most I am sure) is to go to USC and study commercial music. I was thinking about performance but really love the composition part of it. I am stressed out because while my grades are very high - 3.92 (unadjusted for the 4 APs and 2 honors classes), I can’t seem to get above a 24 on the ACT. Now, instead of composing and spending my time playing music, I am studying like a mad person for the ACT. Does anybody have advice on my profile as it stands? Assuming I am very good at the music piece but not crazy exceptional great right now?

I’m sure others can provide more input here, but I stongly recommend you determine how flexible admissions are with regard to ACT scores and your intended program. Obviously your current score is out of range for most majors, but music programs might be a different kettle of fish…

If you were applying to a non-audition/portfolio program I would sat USC is out of reach. But the audition/portfolio may get you in.

@rockpiano First, have you considered taking at least a sitting for the SAT? For some folks, it is a better test to take and certainly worth a try. Second, start building your profile more specifically and then ask folks on forums like this for advice. Third, get in contact with your USC admissions rep for your area and discuss your application, It is never too early to make those contacts.

Now, my advice for the ACT is spend less time studying and instead take regular practice tests as often as possible BUT STILL DO NOT OVERLOAD ON THE STUDYING. With that GPA, it may be test anxiety that is your biggest foe. Getting use to the process of testing is often as big a deal as trying to guess and study what is on the test.

Best of luck.